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Creatures in the attic
We live on the outskirts of Brussels. There is a family of creatures living in my attic, more specifically under the eaves – I had a glimpse of one the other night and I think it’s a marmotte (or possibly a fouine). I know where they are coming in, but for obvious reasons I don’t want to block it (I don’t want to trap them inside). I am pretty sure that mama gave birth recently. She goes out at night time - making a terrific amount of noise – I believe she brings food back for the babies. We have called a pest control guy who will come next week. However, I don’t have a tremendous amount of confidence in him. He proposes to put poison down. I really don't want dead furry corpses in the attic, particularly as the part where I believe they are nesting is inaccessible to humans. I am also concerned about the cruelty aspect and am wondering if there is some other way to get them to move house! Is there some environment service or wildlife protection board around Brussels that can advise? Thanks all.
I agree with J, there are certainly some very large rats around and it would be easy to confuse them with a marmotte.
Both types of marten are very agile and might be confused at first glance with a grey squirrel (which don't exist here) or stoat.
We had a similar problem a few years ago and the creatures were identified as belettes - yes, similar to a marmotte. They eventually moved on after killing one of our geese. Also had rats and musaraignes - absolutely no similarity to belettes!
Good luck with getting them to decamp - sounds like useful advice.
Most probbaly a marten (fouine).
Belettes are weasels in English, very similar looking to stoats and quite similar to both types of marten, but nothing like marmottes.
Whereas the XL-size rats that are now starting to be seen around DO superficially resemble marmottes. They are big enough to make many cats take fright!
We had the pest control guy pay a visit. From the droppings, he confirmed that its definitely a marten (fouine). Next step - eviction! Thanks for all your help.
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